124 days ago

Poll: The best pathway to stability - a degree or a trade?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

According to Universities New Zealand, people with university degrees generally earn more over their careers. But trades have two big advantages: you can start earning right away, and skip the mountain of student debt.

Right now, the job market isn’t looking too flash. On top of that, AI is changing industries faster than anyone expected, making the future feel uncertain for many.

For today’s high school students, it’s a tough call: take on debt for a degree that might pay off later, or jump straight into a trade that pays now but could have different long-term prospects.

So, with all that in mind, Trade or Degree? Or is this an unfair dichotomy?
What advice would you give someone trying to figure out their future?

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The best pathway to stability - a degree or a trade?
  • 32.8% Trade - immediate returns and financial stability
    32.8% Complete
  • 7.7% Degree - as long as you know 'why' you are investing in the degree
    7.7% Complete
  • 41.3% Neither guarantees success - luck and work ethic is more important
    41.3% Complete
  • 16.4% Why does it have to be one or the other?
    16.4% Complete
  • 1.7% Other - share your thoughts below!
    1.7% Complete
982 votes
More messages from your neighbours
8 hours ago

Poll: Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

In The Post’s opinion piece on the developments set to open across Aotearoa in 2026, John Coop suggests that, as a nation, we’re “allergic to exuberance.”

We want to know: Are we really allergic to showing our excitement?

Is it time to lean into a more optimistic view of the place we call home? As big projects take shape and new opportunities emerge, perhaps it’s worth asking whether a little more confidence (and enthusiasm!) could do us some good.

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Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝
  • 40.6% Yes
    40.6% Complete
  • 32.2% Maybe?
    32.2% Complete
  • 27.2% No
    27.2% Complete
276 votes
6 days ago

Brain Teaser of the Day 🧠✨ Can You Solve It? 🤔💬

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

How many balls of string does it take to reach the moon?

(Peter from Carterton kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Peter!)

Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!

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1 day ago

Womans Refuge

Jane from Naenae

Hi neighbours,Xmas is fast approaching an this year i decided to get behind an Donate this years gifting to Womans Refuge.My daughter an I have both experienced the safety an goodness they do,time to pay it forward.We have already donated 2big washing baskets of brand new toys an now doing xmas food boxes.The giving Hearts of all who donated thru out 2025,May your Xmas be bright an Merry an Thank you all.Up until this coming Thursday the Pataka will still be open if you wish to donate food to Womens Refuge.Unwanted gifts are also being gifted.Again Neighbours.Thank you all so much an catch up 2026.